Micranthemum sp. 'Montecarlo' - Tissue Culture

Monte Carlo (Micranthemum 'Monte Carlo'): The Aquascape Carpet

The Monte Carlo plant, scientifically known as Micranthemum sp. 'Montecarlo' or Micranthemum tweediei, is one of the most popular and relatively beginner-friendly foreground carpeting plants/tissue cultures in the aquascaping hobby. Originating from riverbanks in Argentina (South America), this plant features tiny, bright, round, or kidney-shaped leaves that form a dense, lush green mat across the substrate.

Often compared to the more demanding Dwarf Baby Tears (Hemianthus callitrichoides 'Cuba'), Monte Carlo is praised for its faster growth rate and greater tolerance for varying tank conditions. When provided with optimal care, it spreads quickly via runners, creating the desirable 'lawn' or 'carpet' effect in Iwagumi and Nature Aquarium layouts.

It can be grown both submerged (underwater) or emersed (above water in high humidity), making it an excellent choice for the popular "Dry Start Method" or for use in paludariums and Wabi-Kusa setups. Its compact, low-growing habit (typically 1-2 inches in height) provides excellent cover for shrimp and small fish.

Care & Aquascaping Tips:

• Lighting: Requires Moderate to High light (50-100+ PAR) for dense, horizontal growth. Low light will cause the plant to stretch vertically, ruining the carpet effect.
• CO₂ Injection: While it can survive without it (low-tech), CO₂ supplementation is highly recommended for fast, healthy, and compact growth. With CO₂, it spreads rapidly and forms a denser mat.
• Substrate: A nutrient-rich substrate like aquasoil is essential for anchoring and providing nutrients to the roots. It can also be grown on driftwood or rock as an epiphyte if liquid fertilizers are regularly provided.
• Planting Technique: Divide tissue culture or potted plants into very small clumps (3-6 stems) and plant them firmly into the substrate a few centimeters apart using specialized tweezers. Planting in large clumps can lead to the plant dislodging and floating before it roots.
• Trimming: Regular trimming is necessary to maintain a thin, healthy carpet and prevent the lower layers from suffocating or rotting due to lack of light, which can cause the mat to lift.
• Compatibility: Perfectly safe for all fish, shrimp, and snails. It serves as excellent grazing ground and cover for smaller livestock.

Quick Facts

• Scientific Name: Micranthemum sp. 'Montecarlo' (Often marketed as M. tweediei)
• Primary Common Name: Monte Carlo
• Other Common Names: New Large Pearl Grass, Bacopita
• Origin: South America (Argentina, Uruguay)
• Max Height: 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm)
• Temperament: Peaceful (Plant)
• Care Level: Easy to Medium (Easier with CO₂)
• Lighting: Moderate to High
• CO₂ Requirement: Recommended for optimal growth
• Placement: Foreground / Carpet (Can be attached to hardscape)
• Growth Rate: Moderate to Fast (with CO₂ and high light)